The Yearn for Learning

        Today, as the "big kids" were doing their school work and I was working on phonics with Titus; Emily decided that she wanted to "do school" too.  She loves to feel like she's doing big stuff like her older siblings, always modelling what she sees and hears.  Today, she got out her paper and markers and set herself up at the opposite end of the table from Titus and I.  She worked quietly for quite a while, not even interrupting Titus and I one time.  This, is a record breaking fact.  From the moment she wakes up...she's talking...until the moment she falls asleep...she's talking...and yes, she does talk in her sleep! So, naturally, I was intrigued at her silent, and yet, busy work.  I watched, but she had sequestered herself with piles of books and boxes.  Finally, I scooted over to look...and she said, "No, Mama, please, wait until I'm finished."  Scolded, I slunk back to my place by Titus and waited.  Finally, after another 5 minutes or so, she emerged with her paper behind her back and a peacock like expression on her face.  "Okay, Mama, you can look now!"  and she pulled the paper out in front for me to see.  "Do you see, Mama?  I did my handwriting!!  Just like the big kids!" 

 Her sweet little hands are covered with marker spots from tracing the outlines of her hands. She knows that the big kids do their "handwriting" everyday and that I always make sure to gush compliments over proper neatness and form.  Even though there is nothing neat nor proper about the tracing of these little hands, they thrill my heart as the neatest and bestest (yes, I know that's not a real word) cursive writing lessons I've ever seen.  ;)